This video comparison shows what a huge difference having the right winter tire makes for your car. Even if one has all wheel drive putting summer tires on all four corners does not seem to help anywhere as much as having a dedicated winter tire. The E46 M3 has Michelin Alpin 4 tires and is able on a snow covered incline to do get better traction than any of the cars next to it on summer tires whether they be front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, or all wheel drive for that matter.

Very impressive tire from Michelin and a great comparison, check out the videos below.

Great suggestions if you live in an area where winter delivers fresh snow all winter.
For the most of us 225 wide tires just don't provide enough grip when the roads are black.
I drove around on a 205 square setup for 4 winters until I was so fed up with it I decided to go for wider tires.
225 front and 255 rear winter setup for me. With fresh snow it almost feels like you have flat rear tires because of the 3cm width difference, but as soon as the snow is compacted by traffic there is tons of grip, and when it's just cold with no snow (60% of winter times at least) it still is fun to drive.

Great suggestions if you live in an area where winter delivers fresh snow all winter.
For the most of us 225 wide tires just don't provide enough grip when the roads are black.
I drove around on a 205 square setup for 4 winters until I was so fed up with it I decided to go for wider tires.
225 front and 255 rear winter setup for me. With fresh snow it almost feels like you have flat rear tires because of the 3cm width difference, but as soon as the snow is compacted by traffic there is tons of grip, and when it's just cold with no snow (60% of winter times at least) it still is fun to drive.